Statements from Soifer, Greenwood on the passing of William S. Richardson

William S. Richardson School of Law Dean Avi Soifer and University of Hawai‘i President M.R.C. Greenwood issued the following statements today on the passing of former Hawai‘i State Supreme Court Chief Justice, Lt. Governor and founder and namesake of the UH Mānoa School of Law William S. Richardson.

“Chief Justice Richardson accomplished remarkable things by remaining a down-to-earth dreamer. He was an irrepressible optimist who loved and was loved by a very broad and diverse spectrum of people. His legacy will live on through the multiple ways that he influenced and changed the law in Hawai‘i and also by all those he touched personally. CJ was devoted to seeking opportunity and justice for Hawaiians and for all the people of Hawai‘i. Over the last years, CJ had an office at the law school, where he was a regular source of support and inspiration. CJ was a strikingly warm and gentle man and a rare kind of gentleman. They hardly ever did and they really do not make people like him anymore. He will be hugely missed,” said Soifer.

Greenwood stated, “I am saddened to hear about the passing of the much-loved Chief Justice William Richardson. Chief Justice Richardson has done so much for the University of Hawai‘i and for Hawai‘i’s citizens. We are extremely proud that the university helped to begin to realize his noble dream of establishing a first-rate law school in Hawai‘i. His legacy will surely live on in countless ways, including directly through the many graduates who earn their degrees from our William S. Richardson School of Law.”

The public is invited to pay respects at the William S. Richardson School of Law Moot Courtroom from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 8.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made to: “William S. Richardson—Realizing the Dream,” a University of Hawai‘i Foundation fund supporting the law school.